Fire escape step frame system



March 13,, 1962 M. RISHCOFF FIRE ESCAPE STEP FRAME SYSTEM Filed Oct. 19, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. 82 2 Michael Rishcaff 1N VEN TOR.

March 13,, 1962 M. RISHCOFF FIRE ESCAPE STEP FRAME SYSTEM Filed Oct. 19, 1959 Fly. 3

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Michael Ris hcoff 1N VEN TOR.

March 13, 1962 M. RISHCOFF 3,924,862

FIRE ESCAPE STEP FRAME SYSTEM Filed Oct. 19, 1959 Fig. 7

3 Sheets5heet 3 /0 Fig. 8

Michael Rishcoff INVENTOR,

3,@Z4,8ii2 Patented Mar, 33, 1962 3,024,862 FIRE ESCAPE STEP FRAME EYSTEM Michael Rishcolf, 598 Hazle St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Filed Oct. 19, 1959, Ser. No. 847,183 Claims. (Cl. 18248) The present invention generally relates to building structures and more particularly to fire escapes provided for the safety of the occupants of the building so that they may easily evacuate the building in the event of a fire or other emergency situations.

There have been many attempts to provide adequate fire escapes in building structures and these devices perform their function to a reasonable degree if properly installed and maintained. However, unnecessary loss of lives quite often occurs due to inadequate fire escapes being provided on a building. This is especially true where relatively large numbers of people congregate such as in schools, churches, auditoriums, office buildings and the like. An especially dangerous condition exists in schools since they are usually overcrowded and since the occupants are usually young children more subject to panic in the event of a fire.

Even though the building structure may'have fire escapes built into them or attached thereto, it quite often occurs that the access to the fire escape is extremely poor. Further, the fire escapes normally provided are extremely dilficult to place in a building structure unless a considerable area of the building structure is occupied and if the fire escape is disposed exteriorly of the building, it is us ually unsightly and rather ditficult to secure in position.

Therefore, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a fire escape system which incorporates step frame assemblies in the form of a multiplicity of platforms arranged generally in alignment with the floors of the buildings together with sets of stair steps interconnecting the platforms in a manner for permitting passage of the greatest number of people down the stairway together with doorways which render the platform at each floor readily available to the occupants of the floor f the building.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire escape in which the main frame is provided with a plurality of detachably supported platforms connected thereto in a particular manner for permitting assembly of the fire escape in the desired manner.

Further objects of the present invention will reside in its simplicity of construction, ease of installation, effectiveness of use, safety in operation, and generally inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

These together with other objects and advantages which will subsequently become apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a fire escape of the present invention illustrating the orientation of the structural features thereof;

FIGURE 2 is a front view of the construction of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the construction of FIG- URE l with the roof structure removed;

FIGURE 4 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the manner in which the platform frame is connected to the corner post;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmental perspective view illustrating the connecting means between adjacent sections of the side poles or posts;

FIGURE 6 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a longitudinal section line on FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a side elevation with one wall removed of the modified form of the invention;

FIGURE 8 is a front elevational view of the construction of FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 9 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 99 of FIGURE 7 illustrating further structural details of the stairs.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, the numeral 10 generally designates the improved and novel fire escape of the present invention which may be located either inside of the walls of a building structure or on the outside of the building wall. Also, the stairway frame may be used in the middle of the building door or adjacent the interior surface of the building wall. Further, the stairway frame may have its own roof of any suitable construction compatible with the particular architecture of the building and otherwise will have facility for adaptation to various types of buildings and the stairway frame may be provided with the steps and step frames arranged adjacent the wall surface of the building or spaced from the wall surface and either in alignment with each other in their vertical orientation or arranged in zig-zag relationship. Also, each floor of the stairway frame will have entrance doors from the interior of the building into the stairway frame so that ready access may be had to the fire escape stairway.

As illustrated in the drawings, the fire escape is of multi-story construction and the number of stories will vary in accordance with the number of stories in the building. Basically, the fire escape will include sectional corner posts generally designated by the numeral 12 which include aligned sections 14 of either channel shaped construction or of a. construction having longitudinal side ribs 16. In most building structures, the side posts 12 would be of metallic construction and preferably of channel shaped configuration. The channel shaped configuration of the posts 12 provide for easy connection of the sections. With this structure, a connecting strap 18 may be disposed in the interior of the channel shaped sections 14 and bridge the joint between the sections 14. Disposed exteriorly of the channel shaped sections 14 is a channel shaped connector 20 which also bridges the connection between the sections 14 but which is of shorter length than the connector 18. The sections 14 are joined to the channel shaped connector 2i] and the strap connector 18 by fastening bolts 22, rivets or the like with there being at least one fastener on either side of the juncture of the sections 14. Also, the sections 14 are joined to the strap connector 18 by fastening means such as bolts 24-, rivets or the like longitudinally outwardly of the channel shaped connection 20 thereby forming a rigid connection for the sections 14. Each of the sections 14 may be of any desired length but preferably of a length equivalent to one story of a building structure and will enable the fire escape to be constructed in such a manner that the length thereof may be variable by adding sections 14- or removing sections 14 whereby the device will be readily adapted for any number of stories.

Mounted longitudinally on the post 12 and disposed therebetwecn is a plurality of platforms which are generally designated by the numeral 26. Each platform includes a supporting framework generally designated by the numeral 28 which includes frame rails 30 and frame rails 32 arranged in perpendicular relation thereto and rigidly secured thereto. The frame rails 39 and 32 may be joined to each other in any suitable manner and if they are made of metal, they may be welded, bolted, riveted or the like and if they are made of wood, then they may be secured in any suitable manner such as using metal connectors or using suitable fastener means.

As illustrated in FIGURE 4, each corner of the frame 28 is provided with a laterally opening recess 34 which is defined by the outer end of the frame rail 30 designated by the numeral 36, and by a relatively short framing member 38 extending parallel to the frame rail 30 and secured to the rail 32 in spaced relation to the frame rail 3i) whereby the portion of the frame rail 32 to which the inner end of the frame member 38 is attached will form an inner limit or inner wall for the recess 34 with the outer wall of the recess 34 being open.

The outer end of the short framing member 38 is secured to the outermost frame rail 32 and does not projcct beyond the framing member thereby leaving a laterally opening recess or slot in each corner of the frame 28. The recesses 34 open away from each other, that is, the recesses on one side of the frame 28 open outwardly in one direction while the recesses on the other side of the frame 28 open outwardly in the opposite direction. Thus, by lifting the frame 28 upwardly between the post 12 while disposed in substantially a vertical orientation and then subsequently pivoting the frame rails about a transverse axis parallel to the frame rails 32, the notches or recesses 34 may be brought into engagement with the post 12 whereby the frame 28 may then be horizontally disposed and lowered until it reaches a desired position whereby the frame 28 then may be secured in position by suitable fastening means extending through a depending portion 40 of the frame member 38. Thus, the frame 28 may be readily assembled with the corner post 12 in a manner in which the frame 28 may be preassembled before it is disposed at the assembly location. Further, the rigid connection between the frame 28 and the post 12 will rigidify the entire structure and otherwise render it strong and otherwise well adapted for use as a building structure.

Mounted on each of the frames 28 is flooring material 42 which may be of any construction normally used in flooring. For example, it may be wood flooring, metal decking or other material such as reinforced concrete, tile, or the like. The flooring 42 is mounted on the framework 28 and is supported thereby and actually forms a continuation of the floor surface of the building in which the device is installed. For example, the platforms 26 are disposed in alignment with the floors of the building wall so that persons entering the stairway may enter directly from the various floors.

The frame rails 32 are oriented in such a manner that the centrally arranged frame rails 32 are spaced for receiving step frames which are generally designated by the numeral 44. The step frames include longitudinal rails 46 arranged in inclined relation which may be considered stringers for receiving therebetween the step risers 43 and treads 56 which represent conventional stair step structure. The lower end of the step frame includes vertically disposed supporting members 52 and the upper end of the step frame 44 is provided with upwardly extending vertical supporting members 54. The supporting members 52 and 54 are interconnected by a plurality of guide rails or banisters 55 which not only rigidify the steps but also assist in guiding persons on the stair steps. The upper end of the support member 54 is provided with horizontal rails 56 also being supported by vertical support members 64). This is the arrangement at the upper end of the uppermost step frame. The intermediate step frames include guide rails 62 interconnecting the intermediate portion of the lower supporting member 52 of an upper step frame and the upper end corresponding upper support member 54 on a lower step frame 44. This structure provides for protection from a person accidentally falling into the enlarged opening provided in the platform for accommodating the step frames. The enlarged opening in the platform is designated by the numeral 64 and the step frame is secured in the opening by any suitable fastener arrangement whereby the upper end of the step frame 44- will be secured to one of the frame rails 32 and will be disposed against spaced frame rails 66 which are disposed parallel to the frame rails 39 but which only extend between the frame rails 32 in the area which receives the step frame 44. The lower end of each of the step frames 44 will be received within a recess, notch or the like on the underlying platform or may be secured to the underlying frame or platform by any suitable fastening arrangement. Thus, the step frames in the assembly as illustrated in FIGURES l and 2 are arranged in vertical alignment with each other whereby it will be necessary for a person to walk down an uppermost step frame and then circle around the guide rail 62 and then enter the upper end of the lower step frame 44 as will be clearly understood from a consideration of FIG- DRE 2.

For providing entry and exit into the stairway, there is provided an enlarged sliding door or sliding doors 68 which are supported on horizontal trackways 7% by rollers '72. The door arrangement may be variable with there being doors on any of the side walls or on all of the side walls depending upon the orientation of the stairway. if the stairway is disposed in the central portion of the building, an entrance door may be provided on all four sides. It the stairway is disposed against the inner surface of an outside wall of the building structure, then the doors may be provided on three different sides of the stairway. If the stairway is disposed on the exterior surface of the outside building wall, then the doorway will be only on the wall of the stairway which is joined to the building. As illustrated in FIGURE 3, the stairway will have a wall structure 74 which will have an opening 76 therein which is closed by the sliding closure door 68. Suitable latch mechanisms, handles and other hardware is provided for the doorway for permitting ease of opera tion thereof and also, a bottom guide 78 may "be provided for the lower end of the door to prevent the door from swinging inwardly at the lower end thereof. The door 68 will be easily manipulated and will provide ready access into the interior of the stairway from each floor of the building thereby enabling the occupants of the building to readily evacuate the building in the event of fire or other emergencies.

The upper ends of the supporting posts 12 are rigidly interconnected by inclined brace members 80 and are also orientated with one pair of the post being disposed below the others for receiving and supporting a roof structure 82. The roof structure 82 is illustrated as a lean to type of roof, that is, a flat roof disposed in an inclined manner but it is pointed out that other types of roof structures may be employed depending upon the particular architecture which may be employed and depending upon the orientation of the fire escape in relation to the building. Where the fire escape is built into the interior of the build ing, the roof of the fire escape may conveniently be coextensive with the roof of the building structure. How ever, if desired, the fire escape structure may project above the roof structure in somewhat the same manner as an elevator shaft thereby enabling occupants of the building to escape to the roof if desired or if this becomes necessary due to the particular orientation of the fire and also will enable the fire escape to be used as an access route to the roof if this becomes desirable, either for repair or for use of the roof for any other purpose. Where the stairway is disposed exteriorly of the building wall, the roof 82 will provide protection for the stairway in the usual manner and any suitable materials may be used in the roof structure. The roof structure may be either of a structure using rafters and sheeting together with some roofing material thereon or may be tiled, coated or other wise provided with a waterproof covering.

As stated previously, the fire escape structure may be disposed interiorly of the building either against an outside wall or in the middle of the building or in any area desired in the building or may be exposed exteriorly of the building surface against the outside wall. Further, the step frames 44 may be orientated either parallel to or perpendicular to the outside wall and may be disposed adjacent to either of the walls of the stairway although it is preferable that the step frames be disposed remotely from the sliding doors to provide easy access into the stair Well.

FIGURES 7-9 inclusive illustrate a slightly modified form of the invention in which the step frames are designated by the numeral 84. The step frames are of substantially the same construction as the step frames 44 but are arranged in a zig-zag relationship as clearly illustrated in FIGURE 8. Also, the adjacent step frames are disposed in laterally offset relation as illustrated in FIG- URE 7. Thus, as a person proceeds down the steps the person will come down the uppermost step frame and then turn 180 and move to one side slightly to be aligned with the next lowermost step frame and then proceed down the lower steps. This arrangement will provide more rapid descent of the steps since it is not necessary to move in a circular pattern at each platform as is the situation in the device of FIGURES 1-6. Other than this orientation of the step frames 84, the only other difference in construction is in the difference in the platforms which are orientated with their frame elements arranged for receiving this particular orientation of step frames 34. Also, the step frames may be of any suitable construction. They may be constructed of metallic structures completely fireproof, reinforced concrete with metal guide rails or wood or other materials all of which should be treated with a fire retardant. Also, the step frames may include steps which have only the treads and no risers although it is desirable that risers be provided since they are more easily employed and there is less danger of having some one accidentally have their foot slip through the vacant area where no riser is provided.

For convenience of illustration, there has been shown schematically the floor surfaces 86 of the building structure which floors are arranged to be in alignment with the platforms. The outside building wall is represented by the numeral 88 and if desired, the outside building wall may also have an opening with a suitable closure when the device is orientated exteriorly of the building.

The essence of the present invention resides in the adaptability of the step frames to be orientated in either an in line relationship or a staggered zig-zag relationship and the structural features which enable the device to be readily assembled into a building structure either as an attachment on the exterior surface of the building or as an integral part of the building structure disposed interiorly of the buildingeither against an outside wall of the building or in the central area of the building as desired from the particular needs of the building including the size relationship, the number of stories of the building, the number of occupants and the various code requirements of the various fire regulations. The various posts "ray be provided with other reinforcement connectors or frame members designated by the numeral 99 for rigidifying these elements and wherever desired, the device may be braced and otherwise interconnected with the building structure for rigidly supporting the fire escape in position.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A fire escape assembly comprising four stationary corner post assemblies, a plurality of rigid, preassembled platform frames rigidly connected to the corner post assemblies, a platform supported on each of said platform frames, and a step frame interconnecting the platform frames and extending through the platforms for providing a stairway for a multi-story building, each of said platform frames being in the form of a preassembled unit having inwardly extending corner recesses opening laterally to only one side of each corner and receiving the corner post assemblies thereby enabling the platform frames to be elevated between the post assemblies while in a vertical manner and then swung about a generally horizontal axis for registering the recesses in the corners thereof with the corner post assemblies thereby facilitating the assembly of the stairway, said recesses being defined by parallel frame rail members rigidly mounted in relation to each other and having an unobstructed area therebetween communicated with the side of the frame.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the post assemblies are interconnected by wall surfaces, certain of the wall surfaces having openings therein, and a sliding closure door for each of the openings thereby permitting access to the interior of the stairway.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said platform frames and platforms mounted thereon are in alignment with the floors of a building structure, said post assemblies and wall surfaces extending above the roof line of the building structure and being provided with a roof whereby access may be had to the stairway from each floor of the building and from the roof.

4. The structure as defined in claim 13 wherein each corner post assembly includes a plurality of channel shaped sections arranged in longitudinal end-to-end relationship, and connecting means bridging the joint between the sections and interconnecting the sections of the post assembly in a rigid aligned manner.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said connecting means includes a channel shaped connector exposed exteriorly of the channel shaped sections and bridging the joint therebetween, a strap connector disposed interiorly of the channel shaped sections and bridging the joint therebetween, and fastening means rigidly interconnecting the channel shaped sections, the channel shaped connector and the strap connector.

6. The structure as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said step frames includes longitudinal guide rails, a plurality of steps, each of said platforms including an opening receiving the ends of the step frames, and guide rails about three sides of the opening to prevent persons from accidentally falling through the opening in the platform.

7. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said step frames are aligned in vertical relationship with the lower end of an upper step frame being spaced from the upper end of a lower step frame but arranged in alignment therewith.

8. The structure as defined in claim 6 wherein said step frames are arranged in zig-zag relationship with an upper step frame being laterally spaced in relation to a lower step frame.

9. A fire escape assembly comprising four corner post assemblies, a plurality of platform frames connected to the corner post assemblies, a platform supported on each of said platform frames, and a step frame interconnecting the platform frames and extending through the platforms for providing a stairway for a multi-story build-. ing, each of said platform frames being in the form of a preassembled supporting frame including longitudinal frame rails and transverse frame rails arranged in perpendicular relation to each other and rigidly attached to each other, the corners of said supporting frames in cluding inwardly extending recesses opening to the opposite outer surfaces of the frame for receiving the corner post assemblies, each of said recesses being defined by the outer end portion of a longitudinal frame rail, and a partial longitudinal frame rail spaced inwardly of and parallel to the longitudinal frame rail with the inner end of the partial frame rail being rigidly secured to a transverse frame rail which defines the inner wall of the recess, the outermost transverse frame rail being rigidly connected to the outer end of the partial longitudinal frame rail thereby providing a recess having three walls and an open side with the open side being disposed to the outer side of the frame, said recesses having relatively short vertical height and being arranged in pairs with the pairs opening towards opposite sides of the frame whereby the frame may be swung about a transverse horizontal axis parallel to the transverse rails for movement into and out of engagement with corner posts.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Cullen June 19, Ward May 12, Foose Sept. 15, Rumsey Dec. 18, Holden Nov. 19, Koloseus May 31, Pugh Mar. 27, Albert Mar. 7, Windhurst June 3, Kingston June 14, Aukland Sept. 3, Clark Sept. 14, Swisher Sept. 18, French June 30, 

